Jupiter Medical Center Performs WATCHMAN Heart Implant Procedure

​Dr. Matthew Kolek, specialist in the treatment of complex cardiac arrhythmias, ushered in the new​ service for Jupiter Medical Center's rapidly growing Heart & Vascular Institute with the hospital’s first WATCHMAN™ implant procedure. The WATCHMAN™ implant is the only FDA-approved device proven to reduce stroke risk due to non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) and does not require long-term blood-thinning medications.

JUPITER, Fla. (March 16, 2021) – Jupiter Medical Center, rated No. 1 in safety, quality and patient satisfaction, added another leading-edge treatment to its rapidly expanding Heart & Vascular Institute with its first WATCHMAN™ implant procedure. The WATCHMAN™ implant—approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation that is not caused by heart valve problems—will be of tremendous benefit to those seeking AFib treatment without the use of blood thinners like Warfarin.

“The side effects of blood thinners for some patients have been well documented,” says Amit Rastogi, MD, MHCM, CEO of Jupiter Medical Center. “This WATCHMAN™ implant procedure provides our cardiac care team with another important tool in the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. We are delighted to offer this advanced care to those throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast who may benefit.”

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal beating of the heart that not only is uncomfortable but can have serious health consequences including stroke. An abnormally beating heart is susceptible to creating blood clots, which can lead to stroke, and patients with AFib are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without. AFib stroke victims are also more apt to suffer fatal or more debilitating strokes than those resulting from other causes.

Over 90% of stroke-causing blood clots that come from the heart form in a small area called the left atrial appendage. Permanently closing off this area with the WATCHMAN™ implant is an effective way to reduce stroke risk in patients with AFib not caused by valve problems. The procedure usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital and the device is implanted by catheterization, not by open-heart surgery.

An estimated 5 million Americans are affected by AFib, and over 50,000 of them have undergone the WATCHMAN™ implant procedure.

Jupiter Medical Center

Rated No. 1 for safety, quality and patient satisfaction, Jupiter Medical Center is the leading destination for world-class health care in Palm Beach County and across the Treasure Coast. The award-winning hospital is iconic throughout the state because of its outstanding team of physicians, state-of-the-art facilities, innovative techniques and technologies and commitment to compassionate care. Jupiter Medical Center is recognized as the region’s only independent, not-for-profit hospital providing an array of inpatient and outpatient services, including Heart and Vascular Healthcare, Oncology, Orthopedics and Women & Children’s Healthcare Services. For more information about Jupiter Medical Center, please call 561-263-2234 or visit www.jupitermed.com.